Associations of social support and hardiness with mental health among mothers of adult children with intellectual disability

Background The study was conducted with mothers of adult children with developmental disabilities and had two aims: (1) to examine the mental health, resources and stress among mothers who keep their adult child at home vs. those who choose placement in a community arrangement; and (2) to assess the associations of mothers’ resources and stress with mental health. Method A sample of 100 mothers (mean age 60.67 years) of adult children with intellectual disability, 50% of whom had been placed in a community arrangement were asked to complete questionnaires measuring mental health, stress, hardiness and social support. Results The comparisons between mothers who had placed their adult child in a community arrangement and those who had kept their child at home showed no significant differences for most indicators. Mental health, stress, hardiness and social support were highly intercorrelated, as expected, and hierarchical regression analyses indicated independent effects of stress, hardiness and out-of-home placement on mental health. Conclusions The findings suggest that strengthening personal and social resources of mothers of adult children with developmental disabilities may be beneficial for their mental health.     

Dissemination of an evidence-based intervention to parents of children with behavioral problems in a developing country

This project describes the dissemination of an evidence-based parenting skills intervention by training social and health workers with little or no mental health background so that they themselves train mothers of children with behavioral problems in impoverished communities in a developing country. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was completed by mothers to screen for children with behavioral problems and was repeated at the end of the intervention. Pre- and post-tests of knowledge and parenting attitudes were administered to mothers. Mental health workers trained social and health workers in social development centers and dispensaries. Each social and health worker trained mothers of children with behavioral problems under supervision utilizing an Arabic adaptation of the treatment manual for externalizing disorders “Helping Challenging Children” developed by the Integrated Services Taskforce of the World Psychiatric Association Child Mental Health Presidential Programme. A total of 20 workers and 87 mothers participated in the training. The proportion of children who obtained an SDQ total difficulties score in the abnormal range decreased from 54.4 to 19.7% after the training. Whereas 40.2% of mothers used severe corporal punishment with their children before the intervention, this decreased to 6.1% post-intervention. Three-fourths of mothers related that the program helped them develop new parenting skills. This pilot project demonstrated the feasibility of dissemination of a manual-based intervention and training of workers who have little background in mental health to offer effective services to families in impoverished communities who otherwise would have not received them. Successful replication in other developing countries would pave the way to incorporating such programs in national policies given their potential sustainability and cost-effectiveness.     

Psychological well-being of parents and family caregivers of children with hearing impairment in south India: Influence of behavioural problems in children and social support

Abstract

Parents of children with hearing impairment are at increased risk of mental health morbidities. We examined the predictive factors associated with caregiver's strain and psychological morbidities in parents and family caregivers of children with hearing impairment. In total, n = 201 parents and family caregivers of children with and without hearing impairment aged 3 to 16 years were recruited. Caregiver's strain and psychological morbidities were measured using the Zarit Burden scale and the World Health Organization's Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Presence of behavioural problems in children was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. After adjustment, low educational attainment and domestic violence were found to be associated with caregiving strain, whereas dissatisfaction with social support from family, behavioural problems in children, and domestic violence strongly predicted psychological morbidities. Addressing the mental healthcare needs of parents may help in downsizing the impact of psychological morbidities on the well-being of children with hearing impairment.     

Maternal mental health, substance use, and domestic violence in the year after delivery and subsequent behavior problems in children at age 3 years

CONTEXT: Mental health disorders, substance use, and domestic violence often occur together. However, studies examining the impact of these conditions in mothers on the well-being of their children have focused only on isolated conditions. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cumulative effect of maternal mental health disorders, substance use, and domestic violence on the risk of behavior problems in young children. DESIGN: A birth cohort (1998-2000) followed up to age 3 years. SETTING: Eighteen large US cities. PARTICIPANTS: At 3 years, 2756 (65%) were followed up from the population-based birth cohort of 4242. Thirty-six percent had annual incomes below the poverty threshold. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: One year after delivery, mothers were asked questions about conditions in 3 categories: (1) mental health (major depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder), (2) substance use (smoking, binge drinking, and illicit drug use), and (3) domestic violence (emotional and physical). At 3 years, mothers completed questions from the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS: Fifty percent of mothers had a condition in at least 1 of the 3 categories. The prevalence of child behavior problems increased with the number of categories (0, 1, 2, or 3) in which the mother reported a condition: respectively, 7%, 12%, 17%, and 19% for aggression (P<.001); 9%, 14%, 16%, and 27% for anxious/depressed (P<.001); and 7%, 12%, 15%, and 19% for inattention/hyperactivity (P<.001). This graded risk persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic and prenatal factors and for paternal mental health and substance use. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of child behavior problems increased with the number of areas--mental health, substance use, or domestic violence--in which the mother reported difficulties. Preventing behavior problems in young children requires family-oriented strategies that address the needs of both parents and their children.     

The association between economic and social factors and mental health in Finland

The aim of the study was to examine the social and economic variables associated with mental health by means of telephone interviews of a randomly chosen population sample (n= 1557) in Finland in 1993. Mental health was evaluated by means of a 12-item General Health Questionnaire. A mental disorder, indicated by the GHQ score, was detected in 18.3% of the interviewees. Mental disorders were more common in women than in men. Other factors associated with a mental disorder were unemployment, financial difficulties and insufficient social support from other people. Mental disorders, indicated by the GHQ score, were common in the long-term unemployed, users of hypnotics and sedatives, and in those who were uncertain about their future. In stepwise logistic regression analyses the statistically independent associates with impaired mental health were suicidal thoughts, receiving of housing allowance and female sex. On the other hand, being on salary was a protective factor.     

Prevalence and Characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women with Severe Mental Illness: A Prevalence Study in Spain

This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of intimate partner violence (IPV) towards women with a severe mental illness (SMI). The sample consisted of 142 adult women with SMI treated in public mental health services in three districts of Madrid (Spain). The prevalence of IPV in the 12 months preceding the interview was 30.3 % and over the lifespan was 79.6 %. 32.7 % of women victims of violence do not qualify themselves as battered women. 48.5 % of battered women do not talk about their abusive situation with anyone or come to any resource or service. Women victims of abuse have low social support. Women who have suffered physical abuse in childhood are at 2.22 times higher risk of being victims of IPV in the past year. Mental health professionals identified 50 % of recent abuse cases. This research highlights the extent of IPV experienced by women with SMI.     

Victim relations and victim gender in violent crimes committed by offenders with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Family members and friends appear to be most at risk of becoming victims of violence committed by offenders with major mental disorders. The aim of the present study is to examine, in a national sample, victim relation in violent crimes committed by male offenders with schizophrenia, with special reference to victim gender and the severity of violence. METHOD: We identified all violent offenders who were diagnosed with schizophrenia in forensic psychiatric evaluations during the years 1992-2000 and examined their court convictions. In total 588 victims were included, 327 men and 261 women, and distributed into three groups based on their relation to the offender: Family of origin (n = 77), Network (n = 183) and Unacquainted (n = 328). RESULTS: The majority of the victims were unacquainted with the offender, but the violence was less severe in this group. Among family members, e. g. parents, siblings and grandparents, there were more female than male victims (60 % vs 40 %), and victims in families, as well as males within the offender's network, were those most likely to be seriously or fatally injured. Female family victims, in particular mothers, were those most likely to die as victims of severe violence. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the risk for family members and the immediate network of becoming a target of violence. Mental health services together with community-based services have an important task in identifying risk situations and taking preventive measures.     

Debate: COVID-19 and children in India

The COVID-19 pandemic impact on children is a growing concern. The United Nations and its agencies (the World Health Organization and UNICEF), Indian Association For Child and Adolescent Mental Health and National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in India warn about the broader impacts on children and call for urgent action to support the world’s children amidst the pandemic which may have lasting consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented control measures to prevent its spread have disrupted nearly every aspect of children’s lives – their health, development, learning, behaviour and their families’ economic security, including protection from violence and abuse. Given this background, there is an urgent need for action through screening to minimize the mental health issues of children in India who constitute a substantial proportion of the population.     

Child welfare involvement of mothers with mental health issues

Many mothers with mental health issues are caught up in the child protection system and face the prospect of having their children removed from their care. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and outcomes for mothers with mental health issues and their children in child maltreatment cases opened for investigation in Canada. The method was secondary analysis of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003) core data. This CIS-2003 contains process and outcome data on a nationally representative sample of 11,652 child maltreatment investigations. Maternal mental health issues were noted in 2,272 (19.7%) cases opened for investigation. The most common child protection concerns were neglect, emotional maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence. A significant association was found between maternal mental health issues and child maltreatment investigation outcomes, with many potentially confounding variables held constant. Broad spectrum, multi-disciplinary services are needed to support mothers with mental health issues. Effective mental health care is vital but insufficient. Addressing trauma, strengthening social relationships and alleviating poverty are also key. Systemic advocacy is needed to ensure that mothers with mental health issues can access broad spectrum supports.     

Pathways to homelessness among the mentally ill

  Background: Persons with mental illness are over-represented among the homeless relative to the general population, and mental illness is most likely one of many vulnerabilities that confer risk for homelessness. Method: This paper elucidates the pathways to homelessness for persons with mental illness by comparing and contrasting groups of mentally ill homeless persons, non-mentally ill homeless persons, and housed mentally ill persons drawn from RAND's Course of Homelessness (COH) study and the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) survey. Results: Homeless persons share childhood histories of economic and social disadvantage. The mentally ill homeless appear to have a “double dose” of disadvantage: poverty with the addition of childhood family instability and violence. Among the mentally ill homeless, those who became homeless prior to becoming mentally ill have the highest levels of disadvantage and disruption; while those who become homeless after becoming ill have an especially high prevalence of alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Mental illness may play a role in initiating homelessness for some, but is unlikely in and of itself to be a sufficient risk factor for homelessness. In addition to outreach and treatment programs for adult mentally ill homeless persons, emphasis should be placed on interventions with children and on addressing more pervasive causes of homelessness. Accepted: 14 June 2000     

家庭暴力施暴者的心理学特征及罹患精神障碍的研究

目的 了解家庭暴力施暴者的心理学特征及其罹患精神障碍的状况.方法 对318例家庭暴力施暴者(施暴组)和310名所在地区、家庭结构和家庭身份与施暴组相匹配的无家庭暴力者(对照组),采用症状自评量表(SCL-90)、艾森克个性问卷(EPQ)、特质应对方式问卷(TCSQ)、社会支持评定量表(SSRS)、神经症筛选表,以及精神病筛选表进行评估.结果 (1)施暴组的SCL-90总分以及躯体化、强迫、人际敏感、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、恐惧、偏执、精神病和附加因子分均高于对照组(P＜0.05～P＜0.01);EPQ中的神经质评分(48.3±10.2)分高于对照组[(45.3±10.0)分,P＜0.01];TCSQ中的消极应对分(29.61±8.28)分高于对照组[(26.97±7.28)分,P＜0.01];SSRS中的社会支持总分(37.42±8.22)分、客观支持分(12.17±3.54)分、主观支持分(17.79±5.01)分以及对社会支持的利用度(7.42±2.04)分均低于对照组[分别为(40.79±6.56)分、(12.82±3.01)分、(20.15±4.04)分、(7.82±1.96)分;均P＜0.05～0.01].(2)精神疾病检出率:施暴组(6.9%,22例)的高于对照组(1.3%,4例;P＜0.01).(3)Logistic回归:敌对因子(P=0.011,OR=1.665)、消极应对方式(P=0.037,OR=1.027)和重性精神疾病(P=0.033,OR=9.597)是施暴的危险因子,主观支持是施暴的保护因子(P=0.000,OR=0.909).结论 家庭暴力施暴者存在较多的心理问题和较高的精神障碍检出率,他们也需要心理干预、医学干预和社会支持.     

Mothers of children and adolescents with intellectual disability: social and economic situation,mental health status,and the self-assessed social and psychological impact of the child's difficulties

BACKGROUND: Few large-scale studies with well-constructed samples have compared the socio-economic circumstances and social impact of raising a child with intellectual disability (ID). The aims of the present paper were to: (1) compare the socio-economic situation of mothers raising a child with ID to that of mothers of non-ID children; (2) assess the contribution of raising a child with ID to negative psychological outcomes for mothers; and (3) identify variables associated with negative psychological outcomes among mothers of children with ID. METHODS: The 1999 Office for National Statistics survey, Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in Great Britain, 1999, collected information on a multistage stratified random sample of 10 438 children between 5 and 15 years of age across 475 postal code sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. Secondary analysis was undertaken of the social and economic circumstances, and stress reported by 245 mothers of sampled children with ID and a comparison group of 9 481 mothers of sampled children who did not have ID. RESULTS: The results indicate that: (1) families supporting a child with ID were significantly economically disadvantaged when compared with families supporting a child who did not have ID; (2) when compared with mothers of sampled children who did not have ID, mothers of sampled children with ID reported that their child's difficulties resulted in greater social and psychological impact; (3) having a child with ID marginally reduced the odds of mothers screening positive for having mental health problems (once all other variables were taken into account); and (4) among mothers of children with ID, mental health problems were associated with the child's difficulties having a greater social impact, having a boy, the child experiencing more than one potentially stressful life event, poverty, receipt of means-tested welfare benefits and 'unhealthy' family functioning. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of combating poverty among children with ID and their families, and the need to develop more complex models of understanding and intervention.     

Social support and mental health among mothers of preschool and school age children

Summary This paper examines the mental health functions ofspousal andcommunity support in a sample of mothers with preschool and school age children. The data indicate a strong direct effect of these components of social support upon the mental health of mothers. In addition to these direct effects, spousal and community support are related to mental health as a function of age of child, suggesting a protective or buffering function. The mothers of preschool children reporting low levels of spousal support exhibit relatively high levels of anxiety, depression, lack of mobilization and overall distress. Similarly, mothers of pre-adolescent children reporting low levels of community support exhibit relatively high levels of anxiety and distress. While differential age-dependent protective effects of spousal and community support are evident, the findings indicate that both groups of mothers attach a high premium to the availability of spousal support. Placed in a broader perspective, the results of this study underscore the therapeutic value of supportive social relationships and indicate the importance of developing stable family and community-based support systems to respond to the mental health needs of people subject to different types and levels of stressful experience.The data analysed in this paper were originally collected for a study entitled Stress and Well-Being, initially supported by a grant from Saskatchewan/Mental Health and the Associated Canadian Travellers (J. A. Lischeron, principal investigator and Carl D'Arcy, co-investigator). Further endeavours were facilitated by the Psychiatric Services Branch, Saskatchewan Health and a Career Support Award for D'Arcy from Health and Welfare Canada.     

Translation and Validation of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire-Japanese Version

Children of parents with mental illness are more likely to experience mental health concerns, compared to other children in the community. Thus, it is important mental health professionals identify and intervene appropriately in these families. To develop professional development activities, practice guidelines and organizational supports, it is important to first identify those practices that professionals employ and do not employ. Accordingly, a Japanese version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire was developed. In the first instance, the Questionnaire was translated into Japanese and disseminated to mental health workers in various Japanese settings. Based on 212 participants’ data, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the structure of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version. Questionnaire results from professionals with and without previous familyfocused/child-focused practice training was also compared. The Kaiser-MeyerOlkin (KMO = 0.85) index and Bartlett’s test (p < 0.001) showed acceptable results. After Promax rotation, 13 factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 remained. Furthermore, the scree plot suggested a 13-factor solution as the best fit for the data. The factors accounted for 66.7% of the variance and most of the factor loadings were higher than 0.30, and most of the variables were uniquely loaded in one factor. Thus, thirteen subscales emerged from exploratory factor analysis. Comparing scores of each 13-subscale between two groups, there were significant differences on four (family-focused practice) and eight (child-focused practice) subscales. The Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version has good to acceptable construct validity. Further longitudinal design studies are required to explore the utility of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire Japanese version in clinical settings.     

Self-reported depressive symptoms and parental stress in mothers and fathers who bring their infants to an infant mental health clinic

Background: The parental functioning and its influence upon infant mental health development have been extensively studied but there are few clinical studies investigating less severe psychiatric problems among mothers and fathers in the same family. Aim: This study focuses on the emotional well-being of mothers and fathers who bring their infants to an Infant Mental Health Clinic. Methods: The studied sample is comprised of 63 families with 0–47-month-old infants where the mothers completed the Center for Epidemiological Study—Depression Scale (CES-D), including 43 families in which the CES-D was completed by both parents. In 44 families, the mothers also filled in the Swedish Parental Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ), including 32 where the SPSQ was completed by both parents. The children were independently classified with the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC 0–3). Results: Altogether, 54% of the mothers and 11% of the fathers reported depressive symptoms above the CES-D clinical cut-off. Self-rated depressive symptoms and parental stress were strongly related. The mothers' self-rated depressive symptoms were associated with the severity of their infant's problems, but the association was not specific to the DC 0–3 Axis I classification. The mothers' stress level was marginally related to DC 0–3 Axis II relationship classification. Conclusion: The results indicate that the inclusion of systematic parental self-ratings in infant mental health assessments could add clinical information facilitating the planning of family oriented interventions.     

Impact of Adulthood Trauma on Homeless Mothers

Using the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), we found that among homeless mothers (n = 588), those living without their children were more likely to: be older than 35 years, unmarried, have been incarcerated, have been homeless for at least 1 year, and to have used psychiatric medication. Many homeless mothers had histories of childhood trauma, but it was the accumulation of adulthood traumas that was associated with not living with one’s children. Without mental health treatment, younger homeless mothers living with their children today may become the homeless mothers living without their children in the future. Cheryl Zlotnick, Tammy Tam, and Kimberly Bradley are affiliated with the Center for the Vulnerable Child, Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA 94609-1809. Tammy Tam is affiliated with the Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA.     

Risk reconsidered: targets of violence in the social networks of people with serious psychiatric disorders

Risk Reconsidered: Targets of violence in the Social Networks of People with Serious Mental illness. This exploratory analysis addresses the questions: 1) Who among the members of the social network of a person diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder is likely to become a target of violence?; 2) What kind of relationships do targets have with respondents in terms of the quality and quantity of interactions?, and 3) What are the risk factors that contribute to being a target of violence for people who are in the social networks of persons with serious mental disorders? The samples of 169 people with serious mental disorders were followed for 30 months. A logistic regression model of the risk for being a target of violence among the members of the cohort's social network reveals that both target and respondent characteristics are salient, and that mothers who live with adult children who have schizophrenia and co-occurring substance abuse bear a substantially elevated risk of becoming a target of violence, compared to other social network members. Other factors that elevate the risk for being a target of violence are being an immediate family members of the respondent, more time in residence with the respondent, and whether the respondent is financially dependent on the family. Respondents with the most mental health center visits had lower odds of committing an act or threat of violence against a social network member.

     

Domestic violence and mental health in older adults

Abstract

Domestic violence affects every age group and is present throughout the life span, but, while the mental health impact of domestic violence is clearly established in working age adults, less is known about the nature and impact of domestic violence among older adults. This review, therefore, aimed to synthesize findings on the prevalence, nature, and impact of domestic violence among older adults, and its identification and management. Electronic searches were conducted of Medline, PsycINFO, Cinahl, and Embase to identify studies reporting on the mental health and domestic violence in older adults. Findings suggested that, although prevalence figures are variable, the likely lifetime prevalence for women over the age of 65 is between 20–30%. Physical abuse is suggested to decrease with age, but rates of emotional abuse appear to be stable over the lifespan. Among older adults, domestic violence is strongly associated with physical and mental health problems, and the scarce research comparing the impact of domestic violence across the age cohorts suggests that the physical health of older victims may be more severely affected than younger victims. In contrast, there is evidence that older victims may experience less psychological distress in response to domestic violence than younger victims. Internationally, evidence on the management of domestic violence in older adults is sparse. Findings suggest, however, that identification of domestic violence is poor among older adults, and there are very limited options for onwards referral and support.     

The Ha Noi Expert Statement: recognition of maternal mental health in resource-constrained settings is essential for achieving the Millennium Development Goals

Mental health problems in women during pregnancy and after childbirth and their adverse consequences for child health and development have received sustained detailed attention in high-income countries. In contrast, evidence has only been generated more recently in resource-constrained settings.In June 2007 the United Nations Population Fund, the World Health Organization, the Key Centre for Women's Health in Society, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Women's Health and the Research and Training Centre for Community Development in Vietnam convened the first international expert meeting on maternal mental health and child health and development in resource-constrained settings. It aimed to appraise the evidence about the nature, prevalence and risks for common perinatal mental disorders in women; the consequences of these for child health and development and ameliorative strategies in these contexts.The substantial disparity in rates of perinatal mental disorders between women living in high- and low-income settings, suggests social rather than biological determinants. Risks in resource-constrained contexts include: poverty; crowded living situations; limited reproductive autonomy; unintended pregnancy; lack of empathy from the intimate partner; rigid gender stereotypes about responsibility for household work and infant care; family violence; poor physical health and discrimination. Development is adversely affected if infants lack day-to-day interactions with a caregiver who can interpret their cues, and respond effectively. Women with compromised mental health are less able to provide sensitive, responsive infant care. In resource-constrained settings infants whose mothers are depressed are less likely to thrive and to receive optimal care than those whose mothers are well.The meeting outcome is the Hanoi Expert Statement (Additional file 1). It argues that the Millennium Development Goals to improve maternal health, reduce child mortality, promote gender equality and empower women, achieve universal primary education and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger cannot be attained without a specific focus on women's mental health. It was co-signed by the international expert group; relevant WHO and UNFPA departmental representatives and international authorities. They concur that social rather than medical responses are required. Improvements in maternal mental health require a cross-sectoral response addressing poverty reduction, women's rights, social protection, violence prevention, education and gender in addition to health.     

受助人员社会支持、应付方式与心理健康状况的相关研究

目的探讨受助人员社会支持、应付方式与心理健康状况的相关性。方法随机抽取180名受助人员和172名健康人员,运用社会支持评定量表、应付方式问卷和SCL-90症状自评量表进行问卷调查,并作对照研究。结果受助人员在社会支持总分、客观支持、主观支持和对支持的利用度得分以及解决问题和求助的应付方式得分都明显低于对照组(P<0.01),在自责的应付方式得分和SCL-90总分以及各因子得分明显高于对照组(P<0.01),而在幻想、退避和合理化应付方式得分和对照组差异无显著性(P>0.05)。客观支持、自责、解决问题、合理化4个指标对SCL-90总分有显著性影响(P<0.01)。结论社会支持及应付方式的选择情况与受助人员的心理健康水平有显著性相关。